Farmington Hills firm to build combat engine for tanks

Achates Power, Inc., based in San Diego, will expand its facility in Farmington Hills this year to develop an advanced combat engine for the U.S. Army Tank Automotive, Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC).

The company develops “radically improved internal combustion engines that increase fuel efficiency, reduce greenhouse emissions and cost less than conventional engines,” according to a Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) press release.

Achates has been awarded a $250,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant for the expansion. The company, which opened its local offices in 2015, plans to invest $791,081 and create 31 jobs.

Farmington Hills Director of Economic Development Khalfani Stephens said Achates “appreciated the business friendly regulations and the easy access to a highly trained and diverse labor force, which made expanding their Farmington Hills location the best decision for the future of Achates Power.”